Insurance and Financial Assistance

We know how difficult a cancer diagnosis can be, and we are committed to helping you get the care you need. Dana-Farber and our affiliated physicians are contracted with an extensive list of local and national health insurances and participate in their network of providers. Even if your plan is listed below, it is important to learn how your benefits will apply at Dana-Farber. Many programs require referrals and authorizations for specific services and some may require patients to pay for a portion of the care. We encourage you to contact your health plan to better understand these details.

Accepted insurance plans

This list is not specific to individual product offerings and is subject to change.

Stem Cell Transplant Networks

One Care (MassHealth and Medicare)

Commonwealth Care Alliance (CCA)Network Health - Unify

Government Programs

Health Safety NetMassHealth**Medicare**

International Health Plans

CMN Global Inc.For adult international patients, Dana-Farber coordinates services with Brigham and Women’s Hospital through their International Program. For pediatric international patients, Dana-Farber coordinates services with Boston Children's Hospital through their International Health Services. Both of these offices ensure that patients are clinically appropriate for services, assist in the coordination of travel and logistical details, and prepare financial and billing arrangements, including detailed estimates and consolidation of invoices from various care providers. To speak to a Dana-Farber financial counselor regarding these services, please call 617-632-3455 (option 1).

*These payers have a small number of products that limit access to certain facilities; please check with your insurance company to verify coverage.

If your plan is not listed or if you are unsure whether your health insurance is going to be accepted, contact your insurance company directly.

Other partnering providers

A portion of your care may be provided by one of our clinical partners, which is specific to your Dana-Farber location. In Boston, Dana-Farber is very closely aligned with Brigham and Women's Hospital and Boston Children's Hospital. We also provide adult services at several satellite locations. Each provider will work with you in understanding your health insurance coverage for their services.

Understanding your insurance policy

Each insurance policy is different; contact your insurance company for the specifics of your policy (the phone number is usually on your insurance card). They should be able to tell you about in-network and out-of-network coverage for care at Dana-Farber, as well as what your financial responsibility will be if you become a patient here.

Some insurance companies require referrals and other approvals from your PCP or health plan before you can receive treatments.

The level of coverage for exams and procedures depends on your specific health plan, so it is important to read and understand your policy.

Since patients are fully responsible for all bills related to treatment, it is important for you to know the details of your insurance coverage and out-of-pocket expenses.

Questions to ask your insurance company

Use these questions as a guide when you talk to your insurance company about your coverage options. Be sure to note the name of the person you spoke with and the date; this will be important to refer back to in case you have any questions in the future.

What type of insurance plan (HMO, POS, PPO) do I have? What does this mean in terms of where I receive my care and if I will have out-of-pocket expenses?

Is Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in my network? If so, does my insurance plan cover physician costs as well as inpatient and outpatient hospital services? What, if any, are my out-of-pocket expenses, including co-payments?

If Dana-Farber is not in my network, and I go out of network, what percentage of the bill can I expect to be responsible for?

Does my policy have an out-of-pocket maximum? If so, how will this work?

Before I see a doctor at Dana-Farber, do I need a referral from my primary care physician and/or will I need authorization from my insurance carrier?

Will I be covered for any testing, pathology or radiology charges that may be incurred as part of my initial consultation with a Dana-Farber doctor?

Does my insurance plan offer any additional coverage — for example, traveling and lodging benefits for transplant — through special networks or programs?

How we help

Our Financial Counselors are ready to guide you every step of the way as you consider Dana-Farber. Whether you have questions about coverage, payment plans or Medicaid applications, a financial counselor can help you sort through the details and steps needed to make your financial arrangements go smoothly. Please call 617-632-3455 (option 1) to speak to a financial counselor.

In addition, our Customer Service representatives are available at 617-632-3795 or 866-408-4669 to answer any questions you have about your bills and/or statements.

Patient assistance funds

Generously donated patient assistance funds are available, based on financial need, to help ease the financial burden of a cancer diagnosis. To learn more, call 617-632-3301.

Financial coaching program

Dana-Farber patients and caregivers have access to financial planners free of charge through collaboration with the Financial Planning Association of Massachusetts. To learn more, contact your social worker, resource specialist, or patient navigator, or call 617-632-3301.

Patient Financial Assistance

These documents offer more information about Dana-Farber's Patient Financial Assistance program, which aims to help low-income patients who don't have the ability to pay for their health care. You should call our Financial Counselors at 617-632-3455 if you think you will have difficulty paying your medical bills.